Cali Kiwi Consulting

02/09/2026

[email protected]

01/09/2026

Thinking of pursuing a master’s or PhD in New Zealand? Your qualification could allow you to stay and work in the country after graduation. Find out how long eligible graduates can remain on a post-study work visa in the comments.

26/08/2026

I don’t receive many negative comments on our YouTube channel—about 95% are positive—and I wouldn’t necessarily describe this particular comment as negative. Still, I found it to be an unusual and somewhat contentious point of conversation.

The commenter was bothered that, rather than calling myself American, I referred to myself as Californian. They argued that people around the world generally identify themselves by their country rather than by the specific place they come from. I understand their perspective, but I also think it overlooks how large and diverse the United States is. Different states—and even different regions within a state—can have distinct identities, cultures, political views, social values, and ways of organizing everyday life. California itself is incredibly diverse, and Northern and Southern California can sometimes feel like entirely different places.

I realize that Americans’ tendency to identify with their state or region may seem unusual to people from other countries, but it is simply part of our culture. People everywhere have cultural habits that may seem strange to outsiders, whether that involves personal space, language, traditions, or the way they describe themselves.

Personally, I’m not offended by the comment. I’m proud to be Californian, and I’m also proud to be a permanent resident of New Zealand. But my sense of pride doesn’t come from a flag or a country. It comes from how I carry myself, how I treat other people, and the values I try to live by—family, safety, happiness, and compassion. I’m not perfect, but I’m doing my best to create a safe and happy life for my family and to extend those values to the people around me.

So when I see comments like this, I find myself wondering: what is the point of taking issue with the way someone identifies themselves? There is room for people to feel connected to their country, their state, their city, or their community. One form of identity doesn’t have to invalidate another.

24/08/2026

The wait is over!

The new Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) residence settings and Work to Residence wage rate changes are now live. With new residence pathways, updates to the points system, and changes to wage threshold rules, there may be new opportunities to make New Zealand your home.

Find out what you need to do to apply, check your eligibility, and explore the pathway that's right for you.

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/skilled-migrant-category-resident-visa/

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/work-to-residence-visa/

21/08/2026

https://open.spotify.com/episode/30oDGk3fAzKnXHBoesPPR0?si=6acb005e364941a8

CaliKiwi · Episode

21/08/2026

[email protected]

21/08/2026

Disclaimer: I am not a licensed immigration adviser or attorney, and I do not provide legal or immigration advice. I am a Journey & Migration Consultant sharing information based on my personal experiences and general knowledge of the migration journey.

My content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules and requirements can change, and your circumstances are unique. I cannot guarantee the accuracy, outcome, or applicability of any information to your situation.

If you need professional immigration advice, I can help point you in the direction of appropriately licensed immigration advisers or qualified legal professionals who can assess your individual circumstances.

By using the information provided on this channel, you acknowledge that you are responsible for making your own decisions and seeking professional advice where appropriate
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21/08/2026

Kia Ora,

I wanted to share that I finished my book, I’m starting up CaliKiwi on YouTube and other platforms again. I’m also partnering with a boutique licensed immigration firm, so if you have any friends, family, mates, or loved ones who may be considering a move to New Zealand, I can help point them in the right direction.

I can connect them with the right recruiters, licensed immigration advisors, relocation specialists, and other support they may need for a smooth move, including guidance around visas, housing, jobs, schooling, healthcare, banking, shipping, and settling in. I know some of you already have people who’ve shown interest, so if you’d be happy to share this on your social media too, I’d really appreciate it.

Thanks so much.

Thinking about moving to New Zealand? 🌏, I share my journey of relocating to New Zealand, what life is really like here, and some tips to make the move easier. From visas and immigration, to the cost of living, finding jobs, and adjusting to Kiwi culture this is a guide for anyone curious about s...

19/08/2026

🇺🇸➡️🇳🇿 Reintroducing Cali Kiwi: Our Life in New Zealand! 🥝
Kia ora and welcome to Cali Kiwi! 🇳🇿🥝

If you’re new here, I’m an American who moved with my family from Southern California to Auckland, New Zealand. After making the big move, I decided to share what life is really like living here — the good, the bad, the unexpected, and everything in between.

I’ll be sharing our family’s experiences, New Zealand culture, schools, everyday life, moving overseas, and what you should know if you’re considering making the move yourself.

If New Zealand has ever been on your radar, follow Cali Kiwi and come along for the journey! 🇺🇸➡️🇳🇿